'Pawbroker' party to raise funds for animal welfare

Some possessions are beloved because they shimmer and sparkle, giving an outfit just the right amount of pop.

Others are adored because they’re furry and cute, always providing an owner with a best friend to lean on.

Organizers of a special “Pawbroker” event in Gastonia are counting on the appeal of both of those things to produce another successful fundraiser this month. The fourth annual gathering will once again aim to benefit animal welfare efforts here through the sale of quality jewelry and purses.

During Pawbroker parties, previously donated bracelets, rings, necklaces, purses and other items are displayed on rows of tables. The repurposed pieces are sold at prices anywhere from $5 to $10 and up, with all proceeds benefitting a local nonprofit.

Locally, that beneficiary is the Pet Education Team, a subsidiary of the Animal League of Gaston County. Pawbroker sales here in 2013, 2014 and 2015 have raised thousands of dollars for the nonprofit. And Sandy Holmes, a volunteer with the group, said that money serves an undeniable benefit, by helping to urge the public to care for companion animals, limit their reproduction, and learn and teach animal welfare practices.

“One hundred percent of the profit goes to PET funds,” said Holmes.

Creative concept

Pawbroker parties were conceived by Roxanne Blake, a Cornelius businesswoman who in 2010 decided to use her skills to raise money for animal welfare ventures. She holds the events regularly in communities from Charlotte all the way to New York.

Blake first accepts donations of slightly used jewelry. She cleans, prices, displays and sells thousands of pieces during each of her parties, then hands over all the proceeds to an animal welfare group.

“Having fostered for nonprofits, I know they’re always in desperate need of money,” she said.

The sales always include a large quantity of moderately priced costume jewelry, as well as a smaller selection of more expensive pieces. A variety of pearls, gold, silver and gemstones are always among the items for sale.

Donations of dog and cat food, in cans or bags, will also be accepted and later distributed to pet owners in need. Past events have even conjured up Kentucky Derby-inspired ways to have fun, through serving complimentary non-alcoholic beverages dubbed “Pawtinis.”

Participants are also encouraged to bring their own jewelry donations, so that the pieces can be cleaned and sold to benefit future Pawbrokers events.

More specifically, Holmes said proceeds from the Oct. 14 event will assist local residents in trapping feral cats so they can be neutered or spayed, and help to hold more seminars on things such as feeding abandoned feral kittens. One of the main focuses is raising money to help underprivileged senior citizens to buy food for their pets.

“A lot of them run out of money before they get to buy everything, so they buy pet food before their own food,” she said. “We supply them with dog and cat food so they can buy food for themselves.”

You can reach Michael Barrett at 704-869-1826 or on Twitter @GazetteMike.